The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) has indicated its preparedness to collaborate with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to educate willing commercial bus drivers to reduce the high rate of disobedience to traffic laws in the State, restating its resolve to also keep its operatives in check.
Chairman of the Taskforce, CSP Shola Jejeloye, made the offer at a meeting with State Executives and Branch Heads of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Agege.
CSP Jejeloye met the Union as part of the efforts to resolve the discord between commercial bus drivers and the agency’s operatives saying, “If we are to eliminate friction between commercial bus drivers in Lagos State and the Enforcement Team of Lagos Taskforce, we must be ready to educate willing union members on what constitutes obstruction, driving against traffic and driving on BRT Lane”.
He said the concept would also include engaging other relevant government agencies, adding that the task force has also created a team to monitor its operatives and also those impersonating operatives of the agency to extort motorists and road users.
While promising more changes in the operations of the agency, the Chairman assured that all efforts would be worthwhile and in the best interest of Lagos State.
In his remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NUTRW), Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya, appealed to his members to cooperate with the operatives of the Lagos State Taskforce, urging them not to pick commuters at places that are not designated as bus stops, eschew obstruction and avoid driving on BRT lanes or against traffic.
He also implored the branch leaders to put mechanisms in place to ensure that union members are educated and enlightened on traffic rules and regulations in the State, while being considerate to other roads users.
